Tuscaloosa Business Leaders Sweat It Out During Annual Habitat for Humanity CEO Build

Some of the area's most noted industry leaders were in West Tuscaloosa Tuesday morning to sweat it out during Habitat for Humanity's fourth annual CEO Build.

The tradition began in 2017, when Habitat for Humanity of Tuscaloosa invited senior managers from Mercedes Benz U.S. International, Alabama Power and other industry giants to help build one of the nonprofit's signature affordable homes.

The CEO Build has continued each year since, except in 2020, when the event was delayed several times by the COVID-19 pandemic before being called off entirely.

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Tuesday morning's work was led by Michael Goebel, the President and CEO of MBUSI, who sweat through an unseasonably hot October day to work in the interior of the home on Pine Street to install flooring, cabinets, baseboards, doors and trim.

Goebel was quick to downplay his own involvement and instead highlight the host of MBUSI employees who regularly volunteer with Habitat.

"Even more important are our team members, they love to be a part of Habitat. They love to participate and do something good within our community," he told the Thread. "Just me working a couple of hours over one or two days -- that's not so helpful, but the team members do an amazing job being out there and supporting this work."

Joining Goebel on-site Tuesday morning were senior leaders from Brose Tuscaloosa, McAbee Construction, West AlabamaWorks, GAF Roofing, several area banks and Alabama Power, who sponsored the house with a $50,000 grant.

Ellen Potts, the executive director of Habitat for Humanity Tuscaloosa, said she anticipates the house will be finished sometime in mid-November. The organization will celebrate with a ribbon-cutting before handing the keys over to new owner Cassandra Jones.

For coverage of all that's happening with Habitat and other fantastic organizations in the area, stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread.